San Francisco, USA – The 2025 USA Wine Ratings has revealed its top honors, celebrating wines that deliver exceptional quality, value, and packaging for the U.S. off-premise market.

This year’s competition saw strong participation from leading wine-producing nations, with the USA, Italy, Portugal, and Australia topping the list for the most entries. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz were the most represented varietals.

USA Wine Ratings is the only U.S. wine competition focused exclusively on independent, regional, and national retailers, offering producers more than just accolades—it provides a direct path into the off-premise channel.

What sets USA Wine Ratings apart is its three‑pronged scoring system—Quality (50%), Value (25%), and Packaging (25%)—that mirrors consumer behavior at shelf level. Entries are blind‑tasted and evaluated not just for excellence in taste, but also for how compelling they are in price and presentation. This ensures that awarded wines truly resonate with what consumers look for—and what buyers seek to stock.

Organized by Beverage Trade Network, this competition is much more than a contest—it’s a strategic launchpad. It arms producers with expert feedback, industry credibility, and trade exposure in the U.S. wine landscape.

Top Winners – 2025 USA Wine Ratings

Wine of the Year: Barolo Perno 2021 by Greg Linn Imports

Best Wine by Value: Toi Toi Pinot Noir Clutha 2023 by Marlborough Wine Limited

Best Wine by Package: Diamond Busuioaca de Averesti 2024 by Osmar Imports

Pinot Noir of the Year & Best Wine by Quality: Price Family Estates Pinot Noir 2023  by Three Sticks Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year: Forthright Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 by Forthright Winery

Riesling of the Year & Wine of the Year Germany: Emma Reichart - Dry Riesling 2024 by Schafer-Reichart Selections, Inc.

Chardonnay of the Year & Wine of the Year Australia: Bumblebee White 2024 by Fourth Wave Wine

Shiraz of the Year: Syrah S.V. Turtles 2022 by Alpha Estate S.A.

Malbec of the Year: Alamos Malbec Seleccion 2021 by Gallo

Non-Alcoholic of the Year & Best Non-Alcoholic Red of the Year: Sangria by Gruvi

Tempranillo of the Year: Abadia San Quirce Reserva 2019 by Bodegas Abadía San Quirce S.L

Sangiovese of the Year: Avivo Rosé 2024 by Avivo Wines

Agency of the Year:  La Fondazione 2023, Soave Classico DOC by Colangelo & Partners

Best Own Label by Quality & Best Own Label Red of the Year: Member's Mark Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 by Member's Mark by Sam's Club

Best Own Label by Package & Best Own Label White of the Year: Member's Mark Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough NZ 2024 by Member's Mark by Sam's Club

Winery of the Year & Winery of the Year Italy: Poderi Luigi Einaudi Az. Agricola Srl – Poderi Luigi Einaudi Az. Agricola Srl

Sauvignon Blanc of the Year & Wine of the Year New Zealand: Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2023 by Gallo

A full list of winners can be viewed here.

About the USA Wine Ratings

The USA Wine Ratings is redefining how success is measured in the off-trade wine market. Unlike traditional competitions, it evaluates wines through the lens of the U.S. retail environment—placing equal emphasis on Quality, Value, and Packaging. This ensures that the wines recognized are not only outstanding in taste but also deliver strong value and visual appeal, making them stand out on store shelves and resonate with today’s consumers.

Judging is carried out by a panel of influential trade buyers from across the United States, including professionals from independent wine shops, regional retailers, and national chains. These are the decision-makers who understand precisely what sells in the off-premise channel and what customers are seeking.

Medal range

Each wine is assessed using a 100-point scoring system designed to reflect real-world buying decisions. By weighing quality, value for money, and packaging appeal, the competition identifies wines with both exceptional craftsmanship and strong commercial potential—giving producers a direct pathway to success in the competitive U.S. retail market.

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